Sheffield Wednesday: Owls extend Alie Bangura trial spell

Dom Howson

Bangura played and scored in Saturday’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over Leeds United, having been invited to train with the Owls’ Under-18s last week.

And The Star understands Bangura, who helped Broxbourne reach the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup this season, will remain with the Championship club’s youth team a further week as he aims to earn a pro contract.

Bangura is in line to be involved in Wednesday’s home clash with Ipswich Town this weekend. A decision on the diminutive forward is likely to be taken next week.

The 18-year-old caught the eye in the FA Youth Cup for Broxbourne, who represent a senior side that play in the ninth-tier of English football, and was the matchwinner in their victory over Yeovil Town in the fourth round.

Broxbourne chairman Graham Dodd said: “We will be absolutely delighted if Ali or any other of the boys involved in the FA Youth Cup are picked up by professional clubs and we will continue monitor the progress any of them make.

“It’s great publicity for the club of course and a testimony to the hard work all our coaches put into the youth teams at all ages.”

Wednesday, meanwhile, moved up to second in the Under-18 Professional Development League North table after brushing aside Leeds at Thorp Arch. Goals from Joe Cook, Bangura and George Hirst ensured the Owls returned to winning ways.

Coach Haslam said: “It was a dominant display where we controlled the game throughout, passed the ball very well and there were lots of positives.”